Have you noticed that home cooks have gotten way more adventurous and daring in recent years? The days of basic egg-frying and pancake-flipping are gone — we’re learning to baste, sauté, poach, and braise.
Unfortunately, despite our growing capabilities to keep up with the toughest of recipes, most of us are still relying on pans that were never built for daily, high-use cooking. Which means that despite shelling out for the best grass-fed steaks and locally grown produce (not to mention researching the best reverse-sear methods and slow-cooking techniques), you’re still experiencing uneven browning, sticking, and meals that feel harder than they should.
But before you start beating yourself up, consider that the real “problem” isn’t your skills — it’s the gear that can’t keep up. It’s time to give your tools the same attention as your ingredients and your techniques. And now you can, thanks to Made In cookware, a company that’s committed to making professional-grade cookware accessible for the home.
You Need Cookware That Can Handle Your Home Chef Era
Made In cookware makes it easy for home chefs to cook like the pros, offering both quality and diversity for your kitchen cupboards. Rather than forcing you to rely on one mediocre multi-purpose pan for every job, these collections feature a host of choices so you can build a sort of culinary “capsule wardrobe” that matches how you actually cook.
High-heat searing? Grab the carbon steel. Everyday quick-and-easy dinner? Stainless clad is your girl. Frying an egg pre-coffee? Reach for the easy-to-use CeramiClad. From one-pot comfort meals in enameled cast iron to the precise control you get with copper, the point here isn’t to feel fancy — it’s to make the whole cooking process smoother, more consistent, and ultimately more enjoyable.
To make this possible, co-founders Jake Kalick and Chip Malt work exclusively with the top culinary artisans from France, Italy, Sweden, and the U.S. to source the very best professional-grade stainless steel, carbon steel, and copper cookware — not to mention non-toxic bakeware, tableware, knives, glassware, cutlery, and more.
Their hard work has resulted in partnerships with top chefs like Grant Achatz and Nancy Silverton, who don’t just promote this brand; they actually cook with it in their restaurants. That means you can really trust you’re getting professional-grade performance in your home — and their direct sourcing methods also mean you don’t have to deal with a professional-grade price.
The Upgrade That Changes Everything
Imagine you were trying to build a bookcase with a brick, and someone suddenly handed you a hammer. Your job just got a lot easier and more pleasant — and you’d probably have a way nicer finished result. That’s exactly what Made In cookware can do for your kitchen.
By delivering the appropriate tools to get the job done, Made In removes the friction that can ultimately make home cooking feel daunting or frustrating. When your pan heats evenly, holds temperature, and behaves predictably, you stop babysitting the stove. You get everything from better browning to cleaner sauce work — and overall, fewer meals that go sideways for no clear reason. Suddenly, the same ingredients taste better; the same recipes are more fool-proof.
To make this upgrade possible, Made In offers a build-your-own toolkit, not a one-pan fantasy. You pick the right material for the job: carbon steel when you want real sear, stainless clad for daily cooking and pan sauces, ceramic for quick eggs, enameled cast iron for slow comfort food, and copper when you want tight control. By picking and choosing the pans that suit your cooking style, you’ll be able to carefully craft a small, intentional lineup of cookware that works with you, not against you.
The Story of Made In
Made In got its start in 2016, when two childhood friends hatched a plan to bring professional-grade cookware into the home kitchen. Jake Kalick’s family had been working in kitchen supply for over 100 years. Thanks to childhood buddy Chip Malt’s years of e-commerce experience, Made In was born.
Their philosophy? Quality first. “First and foremost, we need to make the best product in the world,” says Malt. And this isn’t hubris — it’s a hard-won objective made real, thanks to on-the-ground research seeking out true, traditional craftspeople.
“Our priority is working with artisans who have been perfecting the craft, material, nuance of their specialty for generations,” says Malt. “These are family businesses that have been doing this for generations, just like Jake’s, and it creates a superior and responsible end product that everyone across our value chain would be proud to put their name on.”
This means only the finest raw materials, active efforts to cut plastics out of the supply chain, and more.
“People who are buying the products know that a fifth-generation knife-maker from Paris, France from a family that’s been doing it for 500 years is literally hand-crafting that knife. This relationship ensures that the product is looked after and cared for from the beginning until the end.”
And you don’t need to just take the Made In team’s word for this, either. A commitment to transparency means that the company’s artisan partners are front-and-center in their brand strategy. Videos showcase the people, places, and methods behind each product — something that is non-negotiable whenever the team starts to work with someone new.
“It’s a prerequisite of ours to show the manufacturing process, to be transparent about it,” says Malt. This also reinforces the human connection between the consumer and the cookware they use every day at home. “That’s what we really don’t see in the market today,” adds Malt. “Everything is just a commodity. We want people to fall in love with a product.”
And for consumers focused on quality and transparency in food, this attention towards cookware is a natural next step. “You have to fall in love with your cookware just as much as you’re falling in love with that marbled, grass-fed steak you brought home that day,” he says.
Professionals Also Love Made In
Home cooks aren’t the only ones digging this cookware. Made In has partnered with chefs like Grant Achatz, Nancy Silverton, Matt Horn, Tom Colicchio, and Jamilka Borges to create cookware that is truly of a professional, often Michelin-starred standard.
“All of our partnerships are organic,” says Malt. “Our chefs aren’t paid ambassadors, they’re actually paying customers who choose Made In for their restaurant kitchens.”
To find out even more about this company, its founders, and their philosophy, our Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Laura Klein sat down with them on IGTV. Check out the interview below.
Made-In Product Review
Once we’d heard Made In’s story, we had to see for ourselves if it lived up to the hype. EIC and trained chef Klein tested Made In’s products at home to give us the firsthand scoop.
“One of the most important things I look at when considering cookware is the weight of the pan,” she says. “If a pan is light and flimsy, that’s an indication that it will have hot spots and won’t cook food evenly.”
Klein’s carbon steel Made In stood up to her high expectations: she uses it up to three times a day.
She even tested the heat conductivity of the pan with a laser thermometer to test the pan’s heat distribution. It passed the test. “I use it to sear my greens for my eggs in the morning. I use it to make crispy rice, sear my grass fed burgers, make caramelized onions, squash or sweet potatoes and then I’ll finish it in the oven.”
She isn’t just over the moon for Made In’s quality, but also for its transparency, a place where, she says, “most cookware brands fail.”
“I love that this company is direct-to-consumer,” she adds, “and they’ve eliminated the middleman.”
Made In Product Recommendations
If you’re looking for one-size-fits-all cookware, it’s time to ask yourself why. You don’t expect your bath oils to work as a face serum, so why would you expect the same from your pots and pans?
Made In offers a range of cookware in carbon steel, stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron, and more, each of which has its place in the kitchen. (They do also offer a nonstick range called ProCoat, but we don’t recommend this line due to the use of PFAS chemicals — try one of our other non-toxic, nonstick faves instead!)
Carbon Steel Collection
Carbon steel is a preferred high-heat choice in professional European kitchens. A lighter alternative to cast iron, carbon steel builds up a similar seasoning over time, making it even more pleasant to work with. “We like to say that if cast iron and stainless steel had a baby, it would be carbon steel,” says Malt.
Does this mean you should be swapping out your cast iron for carbon? Not necessarily.
“While cast iron has its place, it’s heavy, it takes forever to heat up, and you can’t control the temperature once it is hot,” says Malt. “Carbon steel on the other hand, retains heat like cast iron, but it is stamped from an iron sheet (not poured like cast iron), so it can have thinner walls. This makes it lighter and more maneuverable, and also it heats up quicker and you can control heat within the pan better by adjusting your flame.”
Our top pick from the carbon steel line is the 12” frying pan. The wide surface area and comparative lightness makes it our choice for high-heat cooking and moving from stovetop to oven with ease. Once it’s been well-seasoned, you can even use this restaurant industry fave to cook delicate items like fish, and the rounded sides make it ideal for omelettes too.
Check out our comparison between carbon steel, stainless steel, and cast iron to get a better sense of which one best suits your kitchen and your cooking style.
Purchasing Options:
| Pros | Cons | ||||||
| Made in Sweden | Hand wash only | ||||||
| Superior heat control up to 1200°F | Not dishwasher safe | ||||||
| Naturally nonstick when seasoned | Needs occasional re-seasoning | ||||||
| Works on gas, electric, induction, oven, open fire | Must be cleaned gently to protect seasoning | ||||||
| Free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, cadmium, aluminum, BPA | Natural patina and color changes over time | ||||||
| Lighter than cast iron with similar high heat performance | Performs best with some oil, not bone dry cooking |
Stainless Clad Collection
While the whole point of Made In is to have the right pan for every job, there are still some collections that stand out. If there was one line that could be termed the kitchen workhorse, it would be the stainless clad collection. These pans boast an aluminum core and five-ply stainless, making them perfect for everyday kitchen needs. Their construction makes them great for handling any dishes that use acids like tomato or wine, which could strip the seasoning on carbon steel.
Our pick of this line is the Italian-made Stainless Clad Sauté Pan. This 3.5 quart sauté pan boasts a wide 10.5-inch diameter and high, straight walls, making it perfect for braising and simmering sauces. It comes with a lid and helper handle to assist you going from stove top to oven when needed.
Purchasing Options:
| Pros | Cons | ||||||
| 5-ply build offers even heating with fewer hot spots | Hand wash preferred | ||||||
| Made in Italy or USA with durable construction | Can warp if heated or cooled too fast | ||||||
| Induction compatible and oven safe to 800°F | Heavier than basic stainless pans | ||||||
| Great for searing, browning, sauces, and acidic dishes | Requires some technique to avoid sticking | ||||||
| Stay-Cool handle helps reduce handle heat on stovetop | Shine can show fingerprints or stains over time | ||||||
| Easy to pour with rolled rim and designed for flipping | Works best with stainless cleaner for tough messes |
CeramiClad™ Collection
For easy breakfast eggs that don’t stick to the pan, the CeramiClad Collection unites the even, responsive heat of Made In’s 5-ply stainless with a smooth ceramic nonstick surface that keeps everyday cooking simple. Stamped, coated, and assembled in the USA, these Made In cookware pans are made for cooks who want easy food release without relying on chemical coatings that contain toxins like PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium.
The pans are light and heat quickly, they’re compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops, and they’re even oven-safe up to 550°F. Our top pick is the 10” frying pan, a versatile size that handles breakfast staples, sautéed vegetables, and delicate fish with ease. The comfortable Stay-Cool handle makes it perfect for avoiding mishaps during rushed mornings and busy evenings. For the best performance over time, you’ll want to hand wash this pan and use a pan protector whenever stacking.
Purchasing Options:
| Pros | Cons |
| Even, responsive heating from 5-ply construction | Hand wash only, not dishwasher-safe |
| Ceramic nonstick coating makes food release easy | Coating can wear down if scrubbed with abrasives |
| Made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium | Needs pan protectors when stacking to avoid scratches |
| Induction compatible and oven safe up to 550°F | Not as long lasting as stainless or carbon steel under heavy use |
| Stamped, coated, and assembled in the USA | Light-colored coating can show stains over time |
| Stay-Cool handle helps reduce heat on stovetop | Must heat and cool slowly to avoid warping |
Enameled Cast Iron Collection
As sturdy as it is beautiful, the Enameled Cast Iron collection is crafted according to time-tested tradition in Northeastern France, a region known for nearly a century of cast iron expertise. Each piece is built for slow cooking, steady heat retention, and rich flavor development, making it a reliable choice for braises, soups, and oven roasted dishes. The enamel coating brings the strength of cast iron without the need for seasoning, so you get a smooth, easy-to-clean cooking surface built for daily use.
Our product pick, the Oval Dutch Oven, is built for larger cuts and big batch cooking, from slow braises to sauces made to feed a crowd. We’re huge fans of Dutch ovens in general for their versatility, and this is a great one. The Cloud Cover Lid’s pea-sized dimples recirculate steam so everything stays moist and flavorful.
This Made In cookware piece’s light-colored interior helps you track browning, and the enamel makes cleanup a breeze. Take good care of it by relying exclusively on non-toxic wood or silicone utensils to avoid surface scratches (and keep toxins out of your food!), and keep it out of the dishwasher. Dry it immediately after hand-washing, and you can always clean any stains with a baking soda paste.
Purchasing Options:
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent heat retention for slow cooking and braising | Hand wash only |
| Enamel coating removes the need for seasoning | Can chip if dropped or scraped with metal tools |
| Made in France with long-standing cast iron craftsmanship | Heavy to lift, especially when full |
| Works on gas, electric, induction cooktops, and oven-safe to 580°F | Requires wood or silicone utensils to protect enamel |
| Light interior helps monitor browning and fond | Needs immediate drying to prevent moisture spots |
| Nonstick enamel surface makes cleanup easier | Can stain over time if not maintained with baking soda paste |
Copper Collection
The Made In cookware Copper Collection is built for cooks who want the highest level of heat control and responsiveness. Crafted in France with a thick copper body and a non-reactive stainless steel interior that’s way more durable than typical tin, these pieces heat fast, cool quickly, and give you precision that other materials just can’t match.
Our product pick, the Copper Saucier, is ideal for sauces, reductions, and any dish where timing and temperature shifts matter. Its rounded walls make whisking effortless, while the copper exterior brings a blend of performance and visual appeal that develops character over time. Designed for speed, control, and refined technique, it’s a piece that elevates both everyday cooking and special dishes.
Purchasing Options:
| Pros | Cons | ||||||
| Extremely fast, precise heating and cooling | Not induction compatible | ||||||
| Made in France with 90 percent copper for top tier performance | Requires polishing to maintain shine if you prefer a bright finish | ||||||
| Stainless steel interior is durable and non-reactive | Hand wash only | ||||||
| Ideal for sauces, reductions, and high-control cooking | Can develop water spots without careful drying | ||||||
| Oven-safe up to 800°F | More expensive than other cookware materials | ||||||
| Copper develops a patina that many cooks find beautiful | Heavier than stainless or aluminum pans |
Final Thoughts: Why Made In Keeps Winning Over Home Cooks
It’s tempting to think of pots and pans as just a means to an end, but the vessel is just as important as what’s inside of it. By investing in the right tools, you’re not just making it easier to get dinner on the table; you’re respecting your ingredients, your recipes, and your meal.
Instead of chasing that elusive one-size-fits-all pan, opting for a meticulously selected range of Made In cookware allows you to cook more confidently — and enjoy the process along the way.
Read More on Organic Authority
